Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao prepare for a highly anticipated rematch on September 19 in Las Vegas, marking their return to the ring after years away from professional competition. Fans eagerly await this clash, reigniting one of boxing’s greatest rivalries.
History of Their Iconic Rivalry
Their first bout, known as the ‘Fight of the Century,’ occurred in May 2015. Mayweather claimed victory by unanimous decision, pushing his undefeated record to 48-0. Many spectators found the fight disappointing, believing it came too late in their careers. That win propelled Mayweather to a perfect 50-0 record after his 2017 triumph over Conor McGregor.
Recent Comebacks and Records
At 49, Mayweather last competed professionally in August 2017. Since then, he has participated in exhibition bouts against Logan Paul, Aaron Chalmers, and most recently John Gotti III in August 2024. Pacquiao, now 47, paused boxing in 2021 to focus on politics before returning last July. He faced WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in that comeback fight, which ended in a draw, allowing Barrios to keep his title. Pacquiao maintains a professional record of 62-8-3 and has fought eight times since losing to Mayweather.
Fortunes Compared: Pacquiao Leads
Financial worries remain distant for both legends. Celebrity Net Worth estimates Mayweather’s net worth at $100 million (£74 million) as of February 2026, despite career earnings surpassing $1.2 billion (£888 million). His 2015 showdown with Pacquiao generated over $600 million (£444 million), the highest-grossing boxing event ever. Mayweather earned approximately $250 million (£185 million) from that fight and another nine-figure payday from his 2017 crossover bout with McGregor.
Pacquiao’s wealth outpaces Mayweather’s, reaching $220 million (£163 million). Rising from poverty in the Philippines, he turned pro at age 16 to support his family. Over his career, Pacquiao has earned at least $500 million (£370 million) from fights and endorsements. The 2015 Mayweather fight netted him $130 million (£96 million), making him the second-highest-paid athlete that year.
Beyond boxing, Pacquiao succeeds as an actor, singer, endorser, and politician. He entered politics in 2010, serving as a congressman and later a senator while boxing. Mayweather boasts over $1 billion in lifetime earnings, with deals including luxury watchmaker Hublot, Burger King promotions, Cagau jewelry, and his TMT Promotions company.
